BOSTON – Senators John Kerry and Edward Kennedy, and Congresswoman Niki Tsongas today congratulated American Science and Engineering, Inc. (AS&E®) of Billerica for receiving a $22.2 million order from the United States Army for 22 Z Backscatter Vans™ (ZBV™) — the industry’s top-selling mobile x-ray screening system.

The ZBV is a non-intrusive mobile inspection system that assists the U.S. Government in critical counterterrorism missions. Built into a commercially available delivery van, ZBV operators can conduct x-ray imaging in real time while driving past suspect vehicles or objects. Using patented technology to uncover organic material, the ZBV is a highly capable tool to detect large quantities of explosives in vehicles and other targets. Its flexibility and speed make it ideal for force protection applications in harsh environmental conditions; the system is also available with a remote console to operate the system safely from up to 500 meters away.

“Z Backscatter Vans have saved lives in Iraq, Afghanistan and around the world by detecting Improvised Explosive Devices,” Senator Kerry said. “I am extremely proud that a Massachusetts company is leading the way in developing new technologies to protect our troops.”

Melissa Wagoner, spokeswoman for Senator Kennedy said, “Senator Kennedy was very pleased to hear that the Army has chosen Z Backscatter Vans to help identify threats to our brave men and women fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan. Detection of vehicle borne explosives is a crucial piece in keeping our troops fighting the war on terror safe from Improvised Explosive Devices and other terrorist threats. Senator Kennedy applauds American Science and Engineering’s impressive technology and believes that the company is an exceptional representative of Massachusetts’ leadership in the defense industry.”

"During my recent visit to AS&E, I was proud to see the technology that this Billerica company is producing to keep our troops safe a world away. I want to offer my congratulations to AS&E on this latest success which is a testament to their outstanding workforce, leadership, and innovative abilities,” said Congresswoman Niki Tsongas.

American Science and Engineering, Inc. (AS&E) is the leading worldwide supplier of innovative x-ray inspection systems. With 50 years of experience, the company’s products offer superior x-ray threat detection for plastic explosives, plastic weapons, liquid explosives, dirty bombs and nuclear devices.

###